We all want to give our kitties the best diet possible. It is an important way of promoting and maintaining their health. It helps you provide your cat with a diet that closely matches the food they would have eaten in the wild, and natural cat food works in harmony with their body. It also helps them to avoid artificial ingredients that could cause health issues and get in the way of weight management.
However, buying organic cat food is not that simple. It is important that you know what the term ‘organic‘ means and that you know how to spot organic food. Also, knowing the added benefits of an organic diet for your cat is useful. To help you make an informed decision, here is our quick guide to the best organic cat food.
The Best Organic Cat Food
1 ACANA Protein Rich Grasslands Dry Cat Food
- Brand: ACANA
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned Duck, Deboned Chicken, Eggs, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal
- Primary Proteins: Duck, Chicken
- Calories: 439 kcal per Cup
- Flavor: Chicken, Duck, Turkey, and Quail
- Life Stage: All
With a high 36% free-range protein, this super-tasty dry cat food from ACANA aims to mimic the small prey protein a cat would source in the wild. All the protein this kibble contains is either fresh or raw, so your kit gets a nutrient-packed hit of organic protein at every meal.
With taurine for their vision, heart, and digestion, you also get a good balance of omega fatty acids to help keep your kit’s skin, and fur nourished and healthy.
While this cat food is protein-focused, the recipe does include the necessary grain-free carbs for fiber, including lentils and peas, but there are no grains that can irritate the more sensitive cat. And, with no artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, you can be sure with ACANA, you are giving your kit a protein-rich, all-natural diet they will love to devour.
If you want to learn more about their company, product lines, and recall history, read our Acana Cat Food Review.
Deboned Duck, Deboned Chicken, Eggs, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Catfish Meal, Whole Red Lentils, Whole Pinto Beans, Duck Fat, Deboned Turkey, Pea Starch, Whole Green Lentils, Whole Chickpeas, Quail, Pollock Oil, Natural Chicken Flavor, Duck Meal, Lentil Fiber, Chicken Liver, Chicken Heart, Duck Liver, Duck Cartilage, Freeze-Dried Turkey Liver, Choline Chloride, Whole Cranberries, Whole Pumpkin, Collard Greens, Carrots, Apples, Dried Kelp, Zinc Proteinate, Vitamin E Supplement, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), Taurine, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin A Acetate, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Biotin, Copper Proteinate, L-Carnitine, Dlmethionine, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Chicory Root, Turmeric, Sarsaparilla Root, Althea Root, Rosehips, Juniper Berries, Citric Acid (Preservative), Rosemary Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product.
2 Castor & Pollux Organix Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
- Brand: Castor & Pollux
- First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Oatmeal, Organic Peas
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Peas
- Calories: 411 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice
- Life Stage: All
An organic dry product made with organic ingredients and manufactured in a US kitchen facility certified as organic. This product has passed the exacting standards imposed by the USDA National Organic Program (NOP).
This means that you can be confident that every single ingredient and the whole production process is organic, including the ingredient storage and handling methods.
The main protein content is provided by organic chicken meal, and the vegetable sources include organic pea protein and oatmeal. The organic carbohydrate sources are brown rice, barley, and sunflower seed meal.
The added coconut oil and flaxseed are organic, as are the natural flavorings. There are absolutely no artificial preservatives, antibiotics, chemical pesticides, or synthetic fertilizers used in the production of this product.
Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Oatmeal, Organic Peas, Organic Brown Rice, Organic Barley, Organic Sunflower Seed Meal, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), Natural Flavor, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Dried Alfalfa Meal, Salt, Choline Chloride, Salmon Oil, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin A Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid), Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Taurine, Organic Cranberries, Potassium Chloride, Rosemary Extract, Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product.
3 Wellness Complete Health Gravies Canned Wet Food
- Brand: Wellness
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken Broth, Turkey Liver, Dried Egg Whites
- Primary Proteins: Turkey, Chicken
- Calories: 130 kcal/can
- Flavor: Turkey
- Life Stage: Adult
What’s not to love about this deliciously moist meat and gravy formula, using all-natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s health and wellbeing? With turkey as the number one protein source, this recipe also includes wheat, corn, and soy-free, so ideal for more digestive-sensitive pets.
And what we like about this wet cat food is the moisture level in the rich gravy, which is a great way to top up your kit’s daily hydration, particularly if they are not a natural water drinker.
Add limited carbs – including carrots, peas, and flaxseed – and you get a good balance of fiber, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals to keep your kit happy, healthy, and on its toes.
Here’s a detailed look at Wellness Cat Food.
Turkey, Turkey Broth, Chicken Broth, Turkey Liver, Dried Egg Whites, Dried Ground Peas, Natural Flavor, Carrots, Guar Gum, Sodium Phosphate, Ground Flaxseed, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Cranberries, Calcium Carbonate, Minerals (Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Sodium Selenite, Potassium Iodide), Vitamins (Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid).
4 Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Organic Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Rachael Ray Nutrish
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Pea Flour, Turkey Meal
- Primary Proteins: Chicken, Dried Peas
- Calories: 437 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Potato
- Life Stage: Adult
A nutritious kibble is small, so your cat will find it easy to chew, swallow, and love the crunch! Farm-raised chicken from US sources provides the all-important meat protein content, and the total protein content is 32 percent.
This is then added to other ingredients in safe US facilities. The suppliers of all ingredients have undergone rigorous testing to ensure that you have complete peace of mind about the product’s safety.
The carbohydrates are provided by potatoes, peas, and pumpkin, which are both nutritious and easy to digest. They are also healthy sources of fiber in the diet. There is added taurine for heart and eye health and omega oils for the skin and coat. It contains no poultry by-product meals, grain, gluten, or fillers, so it is a healthy choice for your cat.
For more information on the brand, check out our Rachael Ray Cat Food review.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Dried Peas, Pea Flour, Turkey Meal, Whole Dried Potato, Chicken Fat (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Dried Plain Beet Pulp, Pea Protein, Pumpkin, Fish Meal, Whole Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Tapioca, Salt, Dried Egg Product, DL-Methionine, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (Source of Vitamin C), Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Sodium Selenite, Riboflavin Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Source of Vitamin B6), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K Activity), Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide, Vitamin D3 Supplement.
5 Organix Organic Chicken Liver Recipe Cat Food
- Brand: Castor & Pollux
- First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Peas, Organic Coconut Flour
- Primary Proteins: Chicken & Peas
- Calories: 174 kcal/5.5-oz can
- Flavor: Chicken & Chicken Liver
- Life Stage: All
A fully organic wet cat food delivers 9 percent protein and 5 percent crude fat. The protein is provided by an organic chicken bred as a free-range. It also contains organic chicken liver. It is also made with organic peas and organic coconut power to provide a completely balanced and highly nutritious organic food.
All the added superfoods are also organic, including flaxseed, cranberries, alfalfa meal, and dried egg. The vitamins, minerals, and micro-nutrients complete the balanced recipe.
You can be confident that there are no chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers in this recipe and no artificial preservatives, growth hormones, or any meat products reared using antibiotics.
Organic Chicken, Water Sufficient for Processing, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Peas, Organic Coconut Flour, Organic Dried Egg Product, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Cranberries, Organic Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Phosphate, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Salmon Oil, Taurine, Choline Chloride, Minerals (Zinc Amino Acid Complex, Iron Amino Acid Complex, Copper Amino Acid Complex, Manganese Amino Acid Complex, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate), Vitamins (Niacin, Vitamin E Supplement, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid).
6 Tender & True Organic Chicken Dry Cat Food
- Brand: Tender & True
- First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Tapioca Starch, Organic Pea Flour
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 350 kcal/cup
- Flavor: Chicken & Liver
- Life Stage: All
Dried cat food made in the US using the highest quality ingredients. The protein source is whole organic chicken which offers complete and balanced nutrition for your cat. The chicken is certified as organic by the USDA.
The recipe has added vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients. No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives exist to maintain a natural product. It also has no added hormones and is suitable for cats at all life stages.
Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Tapioca Starch, Organic Pea Flour, Organic Dried Pea, Organic Chickpea, Organic Potato Flour, Organic Flaxseed Meal, Organic Chicken Fat (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Chicken Liver Digest Meal, Menhaden Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Choline Chloride, Salt, Natural Mixed Tocopherols, Taurine, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Manganese Proteinate, Inositol, Ferrous Sulfate, Niacin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Zinc Oxide, Iron Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Riboflavin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Sodium Selenite, Copper Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Citric Acid (Preservative), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Potassium Iodide.
7 Purina Beyond Simply Grain Free Cat Food
- Brand: Purina Beyond
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Cassava Root Flour
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 394 kcal/cup
- Flavor: White Meat Chicken & Egg
- Life Stage: Adult
This limited ingredient recipe is packed with real chicken meat, making it a tasty natural meal for your cat without causing any gut troubles. And, with added natural probiotics, it can actively support your pet’s digestive health. Grain-free, the recipe also includes steroid-free poultry, boosted by an egg, for a decent protein hit your cat naturally needs.
Ideal for adult cats, this dry kibble is balanced for optimum nutrition to support an active feline lifestyle. And, with no poultry by-products, corn, soy or artificial colors, or preservatives, this organic cat food means you are giving your kit a natural nutritional boost each day.
Find out more about the Purina Beyond Cat Food line.
Chicken, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Pea Starch, Cassava Root Flour, Dried Egg Product, Beef Fat Preserved With Mixed-Tocopherols, Dried Yeast, Canola Meal, Pea Fiber, Natural Flavor, Dried Carrots, Phosphoric Acid, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Bisulfate, Choline Chloride, L-Lysine Monohydrochloride, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, MINERALS [Zinc Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite], VITAMINS [Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin B-12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), Folic Acid (Vitamin B-9), Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Vitamin K), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Biotin (Vitamin B-7)], Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product. C425919.
8 Tender & True Organic Chicken & Liver Recipe
- Brand: Tender & True
- First 5 ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Broth, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Pea Flour
- Primary Proteins: Chicken
- Calories: 178 kcal/can
- Flavor: Chicken & Liver
- Life Stage: Adult
Using USDA organic certified chicken, this moist pate formula is easy to digest and can be used for both kittens and adult cats. And with chicken and liver as the main protein sources, it is packed with both amino acid goodness and flavor. With no grains, corn, wheat, or soy, it is a good choice for cats with food sensitivities or allergies, and the whole recipe is nicely balanced for all life stages.
The moist, easy-to-chew, and digest formula for senior cats should go down particularly well. Then, add all the core vitamins and minerals your kit needs, which could be the go-to in your cupboard that your cat will enjoy, time and time again.
Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Broth, Organic Chicken Liver, Organic Pea Protein, Organic Pea Flour, Organic Sunflower Oil, Tricalcium Phosphate, Salt, Organic Yeast Extract, Agar-Agar, Salmon Oil, Choline Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Taurine, Magnesium Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Iron Proteinate, Niacin Supplement, Vitamin E Supplement, Copper Proteinate, Vitamin A Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Manganese Proteinate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Folic Acid.
Best Organic Cat Foods: Buying Guide & FAQs
What to Look for in Organic Cat Food
Before switching to an organic cat food diet, you must consult your vet. They will be able to advise you on what you should look out for in a food that will suit your cat’s breed, lifestyle, and age. In addition, if your cat has any particular health issues, your vet can advise on the best diet to help with this.
Don’t just buy the first organic cat food that you come across. Instead, do your research and choose a brand with the required features. Get into the habit of reading labels carefully. Here are some of the things that you should look out for.
- High protein content: Cats are carnivores and require a lot of meat protein in their diet. Meat or fish protein source should be the first ingredient on the ingredients list, which means it is the main constituent of the recipe.
- High-quality protein: Not all sources of meat protein are equal! Your cat needs real fish or meat packed with amino acids. Avoid meat by-product meals.
- USDA certification: To ensure the food is organic, look out for the USDA certification.
- Appropriate carbohydrates: Cats only need small quantities, but they must be healthy and easy to digest. Look out for things like organic pumpkin and organic brown rice.
- Micro-nutrients: Your cat needs a whole range of micro-nutrients to keep them healthy. Look out for omega oils for a healthy coat, taurine for heart health, and a range of vitamins and minerals.
- Artificial additives: These are not needed in organic cat foods, so buy a product that specifies that there are no artificial additives.
What to Avoid When Buying Organic Cat Food
A label of ‘organic’ means very little on a tin or packet of cat food if it is not backed up with the seal from the USDA. This is because organic cat food is not regulated. Therefore, avoid buying food that does not have a seal because you have no guarantee that it is organic. It may, however, be natural, and this may be sufficient for your needs.
Also, avoid buying foods with fillers such as wheat because these offer little nutritional content and can trigger allergies. The same is true for meat and poultry by-product meals.
Benefits of Organic Cat Foods
Organic cat food can be a healthy choice for your cat and has many benefits. Here are some of the main ones.
It contains higher quality organic ingredients.
In organic food, the emphasis is on natural and wholesome organic ingredients packed with nutrients. You won’t find cheaper ingredients which are often called fillers. These offer no nutritional benefits. For example, you won’t find cheap, low-quality meat protein sources such as poultry by-product meals. Instead, you are more likely to find real meat and wild-caught fish.
It causes fewer digestive issues.
Sadly, digestive issues are common in cats. They can include diarrhea, foul-smelling feces, and vomiting, which is unpleasant for the cat and the owner! Besides, organic cat food contains no artificial ingredients, which are often difficult for your cat to digest and cause stomach upsets.
On the other hand, organic food usually makes your cat produce regular poops that are well-formed and smaller in volume.
It promotes a better quality of life.
Cats fed on organic food are more likely to be healthy. They have a better chance of maintaining a healthy weight and are, therefore, less susceptible to chronic illnesses that can make their lives miserable. This is especially important as your cat reaches their senior years and their ability to enjoy life potentially diminishes.
You may also like the Best dry food for senior cats.
It promotes a healthy coat.
You should be able to see the benefits of an organic cat food diet when you look at your cat! Their coat is more likely to be thicker and smoother and will shine. This is caused by the improved nutritional content of organic food and essential micro-nutrients such as omega oils. The best cat food is packed with micro-nutrients.
It promotes longer life.
Cats given healthy food live longer than cats that eat unhealthily. This is true for humans and all other animals as well! A nutritious and balanced diet provided by natural cat food brands is essential for a cat’s body to function properly.
A natural diet results in fewer by-products in the body so the organs can function correctly and prolong life.
It provides more energy.
A healthy organic diet is packed with protein and healthy fats, and carbohydrates, and these are what your cat needs to produce a lot of energy. They do not have to waste energy trying to digest unnatural substances.
A cat with plenty of energy will play, hunt, and interact with its owner. Additionally, they will have plenty of calories to burn and maintain a healthy weight due to their active lifestyle.
It avoids allergies.
Many cats suffer from allergies. They can cause skin and digestive issues that are very unpleasant.
Artificial additives and chemicals are among the culprits that can trigger allergic reactions. By using more natural cat food, you can avoid many problems.
See our round-up of best Best Hypoallergenic Cat Foods for a complete list of our favorite options.
It can save you money.
While it is true that organic cat food brands are usually more expensive, they could save you money in the long run. You will need less of it because it is nutritionally dense and satisfies your cat for longer. It is also delicious and appealing to cats, so there will be less waste.
Because your cat is likely to be healthier, you will also spend less money on medication and vet bills!
Our Top Pick
Our top pick of the best organic cat food contains 32 percent protein and 16 percent fat in a crunchy kibble. It is based on organic protein sources, organic chicken, and organic soybean meal. There are also organic carbohydrates such as organic brown rice, organic millet, and organic sorghum.
The fatty acids promote healthy skin, and the antioxidants boost the immune system. Furthermore, there are no antibiotics or chemical additives.
Sources:
- Gretchen Verheggen, DVM, What Is Organic Dog Food?, Pet MD
- Julie Edgar, Homemade Cat Food and Raw Cat Food, WebMD
Best Organic Cat Foods FAQs:
You must understand how the labeling of cat food works in the US to be sure you are buying a truly organic product. In theory, any cat food manufacturer could label their product as organic, but this can be misleading because there is no designated labeling for organic cat food. However, the National Organic Program (NOP) is a regulatory framework that governs all organic foods, including human foods.
If pet food manufacturers choose to adhere to these standards, they will be awarded NOP certification, and you will be able to see the USDA Organic seal on the cat food label.
So, how do manufacturers of organic cat food achieve that coveted seal? Firstly, they must ensure that at least 95 percent of the recipe’s ingredients are organic. Also, the name of the USDA-accredited certifying agent must be disclosed.
It’s not just about the ingredients. The processes are important too. All ingredients must have been grown and processed without toxic or persistent pesticides. There must have been no use of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. In terms of meat products, the animals must have been reared without the use of synthetic growth hormones or antibiotics. The recipe cannot contain any GMOs and must not have been irradiated. The manufacturer must maintain detailed records relating to production and processing so that everything can be traced. They will also be regularly inspected to ensure they comply with the requirements.
The better food you feed your cat, the healthier it will be. Organic food is more natural and, therefore, closer to the natural diet of a wild cat. This will always be better for your cat because natural cat food will harmonize with its body.
They contain high-quality sources of protein which are very important for a cat’s diet. Cats are natural carnivores and require a high-protein diet. This provides them with energy and with the amino acids that they need to build strong and lean muscle. In addition, the fewer chemicals and additives the food contains, the better, as this is the best way to avoid allergies and other health issues.
You may think it would be better (and cheaper) to give your cat a diet of organic raw meat and other foods you prepare at home. However, this may not be the case as there are dangers associated with doing this.
Firstly, the risk of diseases such as salmonella infection being transmitted to your cat (and their owner) from the raw meat. Secondly, ensuring that your cat gets all the necessary nutrients can be very difficult. The best natural cat food commercially prepared has been carefully designed and has Omega oils, vitamins, and minerals in the right amounts. They, therefore, support all aspects of your cat’s health, including its immune system and skin health. If your cat is fed a raw diet, even if it is organic, you will probably have to give them supplements.
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